For immediate release: September 27, 2018 (18-140)
Contact: Sharon Moysiuk, Strategic Communications Office 360-549-6471
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service 360-236-4700
State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department’s Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions and advisory committees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).
Information about health care providers is on the agency’s website. Click on “Look up a health care provider license” in the “How Do I?” section of the Department of Health home page (doh.wa.gov). The site includes information about a health care provider’s license status, the expiration and renewal date of their credential, disciplinary actions and copies of legal documents issued after July 1998. This information is also available by calling 360-236-4700. Consumers who think a health care provider acted unprofessionally are also encouraged to call and report their complaint.
Benton County
In September 2018 the secretary of health suspended for at least three years the midwife credential of Virginia Frazer (MW00000160), who didn’t comply with a requirement to keep adequate patient treatment charts.
Pierce County
In September 2018 the Pharmacy Commission indefinitely suspended the pharmacy technician credential of Keri Marie Cunningham (VA60153911). In 2017 Cunningham was charged with third-degree theft, and with legend drug – possess no prescription. Cunningham, who admitted stealing narcotics from the pharmacy where she worked, said she is a heroin addict.
In September 2018 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Fitisemanu S. Lotovaivai (NA60657090) with unprofessional conduct and immediately suspended her credential. The state Department of Social and Health Services found that Lotovaivai improperly restrained a vulnerable adult in her care. That prohibits her from being employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Snohomish County
In September 2018 the secretary of health suspended for at least two years the certified medical assistant credential of Teresa Rios (CM60378776). Rios wrongfully obtained at least 18 prescriptions, using prescriptions pads and forging them or calling them in without a physician’s authority.
Out of State
Hawaii: In September 2018 the Nursing Commission indefinitely suspended the licensed practical nurse credential of Kellie D. Deeter Larsen (LP00054437). The state Department of Social and Health Services determined that Larsen financially exploited four residents of an adult family home. She can’t be employed in caring for vulnerable adults.
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